What an Ombuds Does
Are you experiencing challenges or difficulties in the workplace? Are you searching for resources related to self or work and not sure where to look? Did you know the staff of Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and the Texas A&M University College of Engineering have a resource that can help with all of this and more?
Your staff ombuds serves as a neutral, independent and confidential resource who can help you with challenges such as:
- Conflict with a colleague or supervisor.
- Coaching on how to have a difficult conversation.
- Identification of options to work toward a solution.
Established in 2015 and led by Katie Cates, the engineering staff ombuds office operates to serve the best interests of Texas A&M Engineering and its staff by providing impartial and objective assessment as a neutral party.
The ombuds serves as an advocate for fair administration of processes, but does not take sides on behalf of an individual or cause.
Engaging with the ombuds is done in a safe environment allowing staff to voice concerns, evaluate issues and identify options. In that, confidentiality and privacy are respected to the extent where additional individuals are to be involved to maintain a safe environment.
Areas of Service
The engineering staff ombuds service areas are:
- Gather information and offer referrals to other resources.
- Facilitate communication.
- Identifies opportunities for systemic change for the organization and may make recommendations for institutional improvements.
- Assists in directing individuals to appropriate Texas A&M Engineering and/or The Texas A&M University System office as it pertains to an issue.
- Provides guidance in solving the issue.
- Assist in conflict resolution at an informal level.
- Refer individuals to formal grievance resources.
- Provides assistance in conflict management and resolution.
- Serve as a non-voting member of the Engineering Staff Advisory Council.